ES2406754T3 - Submersible pool cleaner with integral rechargeable battery - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for cleaning swimming pools, submersible, battery-operated, comprising an enclosure body (12) of the cleaning apparatus, a rechargeable integral battery (40) fixed to said enclosure body (12) and a charging assembly (50 ), characterized in that said assembly (50) is of the inductive load type, in which a first sealed and water impermeable part (58) of said assembly is fixed to said enclosure body (12) and electrically connected to the battery (40 ), and a second part (52), sealed and impervious to said assembly, is electrically connected to an external power supply and is coupled with said first part (58) for recharging said battery (40).

Description

Submersible pool cleaner with integral rechargeable battery.

Invention Sector

The invention relates to a battery operated, submersible pool cleaning apparatus.

Background of the invention

Conventional robotic pool cleaners are powered by electric motors and / or water pumps that receive the power of an electric cable or cable attached to a low-voltage power source located outside the pool. The use of a battery or batteries as a power source has also been proposed. For example, a rechargeable battery in a waterproof or waterproof floating body, which has an electric cable that extends to the submerged pool cleaner, such as in USP 6299699, has the advantage of eliminating or substantially reducing problems associated with the twisting of the electric cable that takes place with a stationary-type power supply unit, in a remote position as the pool cleaner goes through, the bottom of the pool in its cleaning path.

Although the inclusion of one or more batteries in the body of the submersible pool cleaning device has already been proposed, the limitations of battery life and power consumption have prevented the realization of practical pool cleaning devices of commercial type having a Integral battery as the only source of power required for cleaning a domestic pool. As used in this description, the term "integral battery" means a battery attached to the mobile pool cleaning device, preferably inside the enclosure, and must be distinguished from a battery associated with the mobile pool cleaning device, by for example, by means of an electric cable that extends from the cleaning apparatus towards a floating battery body, or otherwise, to a battery disposed in a remote position.

As previously proposed, an integral battery lacks sufficient power to complete the cleaning paths that have been disclosed or used in the prior art. In addition, while a floating battery has some apparent advantages, battery power is required to overcome the hydrodynamic forces resulting from the movement of the battery body through the water through the electrical connection cable.

A robotic-type pool cleaner uses a water pump assembly to aspirate water through an internal filter. The pool cleaning apparatus may also have at least one drive motor that is used to move the apparatus on the surface or surfaces to be cleaned. Typically, the drive motor that is linked through mechanical drive devices has a relatively low power consumption, compared to the power consumed by the pump motor.

The movement of the pool cleaning apparatus can be directed from the engine through a drive train to a cleaning brush, generally cylindrical, which makes contact with the surfaces of the pool to be cleaned or with a rotating shaft that causes the movement of one or more wheels or endless tracks that support the pool cleaning apparatus. A water jet can also be discharged from an opening approximately at right angles to the surface on which the pool cleaner is displaced in order to maintain said apparatus, which conventionally has an almost neutral rotation in an orientation suitable for cleaning .

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the pool cleaning apparatus can also be operated by a water jet that is discharged alternately in opposite directions that are, in general, parallel to the cleaned surface causing the cleaning apparatus to move, first, in one direction, and then in the opposite direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to eliminate the drive assembly from the drive motor, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the pool cleaning apparatus.

Also, it is well known in this technique to provide the pool cleaning apparatus with a preprogrammed microprocessor and electronic control device, which may include a controller and a memory device wired to one or more electronic and / or electromechanical switches, sensors and the like, in order to ensure that the pool cleaning apparatus follows a path that provides cleaning of the entire surface of the pool bottom. In some cases, the programmed movement is completely random, and can be adapted to swimming pools of different sizes and shapes. Other control devices of pool cleaning devices are based on the initial orientation of the cleaning device after it finds a side wall of a rectilinear pool that has no obstacles or accessories that may hinder or retain the cleaning device or otherwise interfere with a repetitive transverse movement that is designed to pass the cleaning apparatus, according to the entire bottom surface of the pool.

In USP 4962559, a cleaning device is disclosed that can be used to clean swimming pools, which may be provided with a rechargeable battery, but which is designed to be submerged only partially, in particular, at one end where it exists. a brush head for vacuum cleaning. When the cleaning device is not in use, the recharging of the battery is carried out by means of a connection terminal that allows electrical connection to an external charging device and which is located at the other end of the cleaning device; in this way the connection terminal is far from the pool water. In USP 5128031, a pool surface cleaner ("skimmer") was disclosed which is designed to float on the pool water, which may be provided with a rechargeable battery. A plug designed for electrical connection to a standard domestic electrical supply is intended for recharging the battery; This plug is located above the surface cleaner ("skimmer"), so that it is away from the pool water.

Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to disclose a battery-operated submersible pool cleaning apparatus that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved pool cleaning apparatus that has an integral battery capable of cleaning the entire pool without recharging.

Another objective of the present invention is to present a robotic pool cleaning apparatus that has an integral battery and lacks external cables or connections with accessories located outside the pool.

Another objective of the invention is to make known a robotic pool cleaning apparatus automatically controlled by a program that is powered by an integral battery, which is simple and economical in its construction and which can complete the cleaning of the bottom surface of domestic pools without interruption or recharging of the integral battery during the cleaning operation.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved programmed electronic integrated circuit device that provides an effective movement path for the pool cleaning apparatus having an integral battery while cleaning the bottom surface of a pool.

Summary of the Invention

The aforementioned objectives and other benefits and advantages are achieved by a pool cleaning apparatus, according to the present invention having the technical characteristics indicated in the appended claims. Typically, the pool cleaning apparatus comprises a rechargeable integral battery that is connected to (1) a water pump associated with a cleaning filter; and (2) drive means for advancing the pool cleaning apparatus. In order to meet the power requirements, the water pump seals, together with an associated impeller and bearings, operate with high performance, that is, with low friction power losses. A highly effective water pump assembly is necessary to ensure sufficient electrical power from the integral battery to achieve the cleanliness of a relatively large pool.

In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that the power requirements of the water pump assembly can be produced from an approximate average of 4.5 amps to approximately 1.0 amps. This reduction in the power requirement of the pump motor is directly attributable to the reduction of friction forces on the pump drive shaft by the seals and / or bearings. The effect of reducing friction forces is that a smaller battery that has the necessary power storage capacity can be integrated into the construction and operation of the pool cleaning apparatus.

The friction loss reduction is achieved by coating and treating the drive shaft of the pump assembly with a friction reducing compound of the commercially available type for use in automobile engine crankcase applications.

The sealed rechargeable battery is preferably a 12-volt lead-acid or lithium battery, intended for a minimum service of 4 amp-hours.

In order to avoid any potential risk, the battery is also connected to an inductive charging circuit that is sealed and equipped with an inductive charging element. The use of an inductive charging circuit eliminates the need for exposed metal conductors, which increases the overall safety of the pool cleaning apparatus and its charging accessory. Although, charging would not normally be carried out while the unit is in the water in the event that the inductive charging element is engaged in the charging position and the pool cleaning apparatus is inadvertently driven into the water, electric shock hazards would not occur.

In a preferred embodiment, an induction coil is used in the inductive load circuit. In this embodiment, the inductive load unit comprises a port and a separate power element.

The inductive charging port is preferably located in an opening in the enclosure body of the pool cleaning apparatus. The sealed toroidal element is fixed in the opening of the housing in a location that provides a convenient position to reduce the inductive electrical element that can be coupled. The coupling of the two elements may include a friction mount between the plastic surfaces of the respective elements, for example, an O-ring alone or in combination with a positive locking coupling, such as a rod and groove, or the like.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the impeller attached to the pump drive motor takes the form of a propeller that provides a relatively large volumetric water flow at a relatively low pressure, and requires less power consumption than other alternative types of well-known impellers, such as centrifugal pumps and turbines.

The electrical circuit is equipped with a switch, automatic or manual, to isolate the battery during charging and when the cleaning device is not in use. Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides for an automatic cut off of the power supply when the pool cleaning apparatus is removed from the water. There is a sensor and a circuit breaker that interrupt the power supply from the battery. The sensor and the switch may include a float mechanism, an element in the non-conductive circuit when it is not submerged, or in contact with water, or a light sensing element that is mounted outside the enclosure and is actuated to interrupt the battery power circuit when the sensor detects relatively brighter ambient light when the unit is removed from the water.

A rechargeable, waterproof, sealed battery for use in the pool cleaning apparatus of this invention can be purchased from the Panasonic Corporation and is identified as LCR 12V4BP model. Other equivalent commercial models are available to Panasonic and other manufacturers.

As will be understood by any person skilled in the art, the electric motor of the pump and the motor or drive motors are sealed in impervious bodies to which the conductors of the same are associated. The drive shaft passes through the opening of an axle retainer that typically has a toroidal spring that applies a sealing force on the shaft. In a typical pool cleaning apparatus, it has been observed that the electrical consumption during operation of the sealed pump motor assembly exceeds 4.0 amps / hour.

In order to obtain the maximum reduction of friction forces using the antifriction and lubricant compound, the drive shaft of the water pump motor is treated, at least, in the parts that make contact with the pump seals and, preferably, any other contact or bearing surfaces that support the pump shaft. As a practical material, it is more efficient from the production point of view, to substantially treat the entire surface of the pump shaft before assembly.

As used in this description, the term "lubricated shaft" means a pump shaft or a shaft of

drive motor that has been lubricated to substantially reduce frictional forces compared to an axis that has not been lubricated.

A product that has been found suitable for use in the practice of the invention is that sold under the REVERUP brand. Information on the purchase of this product can be obtained at www.rev_er_up.com.data.htm. Another product suitable for use in the invention is the

marketed as “Nilsen’s Oil Fortifier”. Other suitable products are sold in stores

car supplies as high performance additives for oil pan lubrication. These additives may include tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), fluorocarbon polymers and / or fluorinated ethylene-propylene resins (FEP) and similar products known to significantly reduce the coefficient of friction between moving surfaces.

The treatment procedure is as follows:

one.

The pump motor shaft is heated to approximately 40 ° C;

2.

The lubricating composition is applied as a liquid;

3.

The shaft is heated to an approximate temperature of 80ºC; Y

Four.

The shaft is allowed to cool to room temperature before mounting on the seals of the pump motor body.

Optionally, the drive motor shaft can be treated similarly with an anti-friction lubricating composition to further reduce the total power consumption. However, the drive motor typically requires approximately one amp-hour of power, which is a relatively low requirement.

It will be understood from the above description that more than one battery and also more than one drive motor and / or pump motor can be used, according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view, in front perspective, partially in dashed lines, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged front view, partially in section, of a part of the pool cleaning apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the light sensor switch shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view, partially in section, showing the induction charge conjunct on the coupled configuration for charging the battery of the pool cleaning apparatus;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a preferred programmed cleaning drawing of the pool cleaning apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of elements of the pool cleaning apparatus of Figure 1; Y

Figure 7 is a simplified schematic circuit diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the pool cleaning apparatus of Figure 1.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Referring to FIG. 1, a pool cleaning apparatus which is generally referred to with numeral 10, includes an outer casing 12 provided with an outlet 13 for the pump and carrying a carrying handle 14. Brackets Rotary, or drive means 16, in the form of cylindrical cleaning rollers, support and move the pool cleaning apparatus on the bottom surface or the side wall of the pool to be cleaned. A sealed electric drive motor 20 is connected to drive means 16 through an actuator (not shown). The electrical conductors 22 of the drive motor are connected to the battery 40.

Continued with the reference to Figure 1, a sealed electric pump motor 30 is connected to a propeller-type impeller through the drive shaft 33. The pump and its impeller are mounted in axial alignment with the outlet opening 13 mounted on the enveloping body 12.

The enclosure body 12 of the pool cleaning apparatus also encloses a filter means through which water is removed from the bottom of the cleaning apparatus and discharged by the movement of the impeller 34 through the discharge opening 13. Other various Water pump types and / or impellers have been used in prior art pool cleaning devices. The preferred impeller to be used in the present invention is the propeller type. It has been found that this type of impeller provides the most effective force to displace a large volume of water through the filter of the pool cleaning apparatus to provide effective cleaning. Other types of impeller, for example, turbines, create a higher discharge pressure, displace a relatively smaller volume and consume more power.

During a mounting of the pump motor in its waterproof body, the shaft is treated as described above, with the friction reducing lubricant in its entire length or in the positions that come into contact with the seals. If the shaft is mounted on bearings outside the motor housing, that part of the shaft is also preferably treated with friction reducing lubricant. This treatment has the effect of substantially reducing the power consumption of the pump motor. In performance tests, the power consumption was reduced to 75%, so that the power consumption of the water pump is reduced from about four amps to approximately one amp.

As will be apparent to any person skilled in the art, the significant reduction in power consumption, as a result of the practice of the invention, prolongs the operating life of the pool cleaning apparatus almost four times. The power consumption of the motor drive is relatively much less than the power consumed by the water pump when it operates under conventional conditions known in the prior art, and without the treatment of the drive shaft of the water pump with the lubricant of friction reduction However, the invention comprises the use of a lubricated shaft to minimize friction losses.

Another beneficial effect of this reduction in power consumption is to allow the installation of a battery inside the body of the pool cleaning device that is within the parameters of dimensions and weight that will allow the cleaning device to be lifted, displaced and stored substantially the same as a prior art cleaner that receives power from an external source, that is, a conventional supply of electrical current. The dimensions and weight of the battery should be considered to maintain the negative, but almost neutral, flotation of the cleaning device.

Continuing with the reference to Figure 1, an inductive load assembly 50 is also shown which comprises an inductive charging circuit that includes sealed and impermeable elements, and operating at a relatively low voltage. An inductive charging port 58 is firmly mounted through an opening in the body 12. The port includes a pair of electrical conductors 42 that enter the sealed body 40 of the battery and are attached to the charging circuit of the battery (not shown).

A separate power charging element 52 is coupled with the charging port 58 in the charging configuration. The sealed charging element 52 is connected through a power cable 56 to a conventional electrical outlet 57. In a preferred embodiment, the charging element 52 comprises a flexible wear-resistant sleeve 54 to prevent damage, and loss of the waterproofing tightness with the electric cable 56. The charging element 52 of the port 58 may be provided with a series of friction ribs, an O-ring, or other construction to maintain proper alignment and a secure coupling between them. elements during charging.

During the charging of the battery, the pool cleaning apparatus is preferably removed from the water and placed away from the pool. However, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the inductive charging assembly provides a means to recharge the battery that avoids the need for exposed metal conductors that can lead to electric shocks or other injuries, in the event that the Pool cleaning device was accidentally or inadvertently placed in the pool during loading. Actually, the inductive element 52 can be manipulated even in the case where the connector 57 is in an electrical outlet.

The construction materials of the loading port 58 and the coupling loading element 50 are preferably selected of impact-resistant type, non-conductive polymers that are resistant to UV radiation and chemicals commonly used in the treatment of water in the pool.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pool cleaning apparatus is also provided with a light emitting indicator that is visible during battery charging to provide information on the state of charge of the battery. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the indicator 44 is a light emitting diode or similar device mounted on the outer surface of the enclosure 12 or otherwise positioned adjacent to an opening in the enclosure that will allow the user to determine when the battery is completely loaded The conductors 42 extend towards the battery 40. In an alternative embodiment, an automatic manual cut-off switch may be arranged in the circuit between the external power source and the battery to interrupt the charging current to the injection element 50 when the battery has reached the desired charge level.

As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the specific arrangement of the drive motor, battery, pump motor, switch, and its associated electrical conductors 32, may be varied. While the preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the arrangement of the battery inside the enclosure to minimize turbulence and other effects of hydrodynamic friction, the battery can be fixed in a position external to the enclosure 12, but firmly fixed in a position determined to it. For example, the casing body, typically formed of molded plastic, may be provided with an integral external receptacle or brackets (not shown) to receive the battery. In any case, it will be understood from the definition indicated above that the battery is an integral part of the pool cleaning apparatus, whether it is mounted outside or inside the enclosure.

As best seen in Figure 2, the switch 70, mounted on the housing 12, is connected on one side to the battery, and on the other hand on the separate conductors 32 of the switch, which extend towards the motor of Drive and pump motor.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the switch 70 includes an optical sensor in the body 74 that receives ambient light transmitted to a photovoltaic element 76 that is usually linked to the electronic switch device of the body 78. When the cleaning apparatus is submerged, the ambient light is at a relatively low level, and the switch is in the closed position or in a position that allows the passage of power through the conductor 79 towards the pump and drive motors. When the pool cleaning device is removed from the water, the ambient light increases, and the photovoltaic layer reacts by sending a signal to open the switch and end the power transmission to the two motors.

In another preferred embodiment, the switch 70 may include a light emitting source in an element 78, whose light is reflected internally in the sensor body 74 towards the photovoltaic receiving surface 76. While the pool cleaning apparatus and the sensor are submerged, The optical reflectivity within the sensor is such that the switch is kept in the closed position and current flows from the battery to the respective motors. When the sensor is removed from the water, the reflectivity is reduced and the emitted light escapes from the enclosure and the circuit breaker circuit is opened so that the current flow is interrupted.

Various other types of switches, including a simple manual toggle switch, can be installed to allow the user to start and stop the motors. A flotation switch can also be used, so that when the pool cleaning apparatus is removed from the water, the floating part of the switch changes position and the circuit opens, thus terminating the power flow from the battery to the engines.

Referring now to Figure 4, the inductive charging element 52 has been shown arranged in the annular chamber of port 58 to receive the charging current directed to the battery. The lower face of the port element is provided with conductors 42 which, as best seen in Figure 2, are connected to the battery charging circuit 40. The charging element 52 may optionally be provided with an O-ring 53 for ensure a firm and stable coupling in ring 59 during charging.

In order to maximize the capacity of the robotic cleaning device to cover the entire surface of the pool bottom to be cleaned, the unit is equipped with a microprocessor that has been programmed to direct the cleaning device on a particularly efficient movement path. The programming and installation of microprocessors and controllers is well known in this technique.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the built-in microprocessor is programmed with an algorithm that results from the following cleaning model:

one.

After commissioning, the unit crosses the pool until it reaches a wall, after which it reverses its movement by crossing to the opposite wall.

2.

After crossing the unit, it reverses its route by moving a predetermined distance in return according to the same trajectory.

3.

When the predetermined distance has been reached, the unit rotates at a predetermined angle, which may be about 90 °, and advances to reach a side wall.

Four.

Subsequently, the unit is reversed, and goes through the bottom towards the opposite side wall.

The route to return a predetermined distance along the most recent path and then stopping to rotate at a predetermined angle, is repeated. The counter records the number of contacts with the side walls. After a predetermined number of contacts have been reached with the side wall, the predetermined distance of the reverse displacement section is changed and the routine is continued until contact has been established and the entire pool bottom area has been cleaned .

An example of this preferred programmed model has been shown schematically in Figure 5. In order to more clearly represent the cleaning model, parallel lines have been used to illustrate the reverse displacement section. However, it will be understood that the actual path followed by the unit will overlap along the dashed lines. Lines with arrowheads represent the direction of movement of the unit. The angle of rotation shown is 90º.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a new algorithm that the inventors have developed is incorporated into a microprocessor controller that directs the automated pool cleaning apparatus in its cleaning model. The new cleaning model is the subject of a request for

patent pending with the current one entitled “Device and procedure for cleaning swimming pools”, presented in

July 29, 2002, indicating Porat and Fridman as inventors, and the subject of this pending application with the current one is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

In its broadest form of construction, the improved procedure is implemented according to the process, step by step, following.

In this embodiment of the apparatus and method of the invention for cleaning the surfaces of a pool, an automated cleaning apparatus capable of reversing its movement and turning is used. The unit is initially placed in an arbitrary place at the bottom of the pool 110, and the procedure comprises moving the cleaning apparatus in a forward direction until it finds the vertical wall 112 of the pool, inverting the robot until it is at a predetermined distance 124 from the wall 112, rotating it at a predetermined angle 126 that is less than 180 °, and preferably 90 ° for a rectilinear pool, and continuing its displacement until it finds a vertical wall 116 again, and repeating these steps until the unit has found the vertical walls, for example, 118, 112, 114, 118 a predetermined number of times, at which time the predetermined distance is changed, for example to 130. All the above steps are repeated again until a cover has been covered. substantial area of the bottom of the pool 110. In a preferred embodiment, a rectangular pool is cleaned by adjusting the angle of rotation to 90º, and the number of turns before changing the default distance from 125 to 130 is seven.

According to another aspect of the invention, the robot has a propeller-type impeller, driven in a horizontal plane, and the robot is forced to rotate by interrupting the driving force to the propeller a number of times during a predetermined period to impart a laterally directed moment. to the robot

A schematic illustration of the arrangement of elements inside the body of the pool cleaning apparatus has been shown in Figure 6. The specific position of the controller 86 and the central processing unit (CPU) 94 of the microprocessor 80 is not review. Similarly, the situation of the wall sensor 92, shown schematically in Figure 6, will be understood by any person skilled in the art that is formed by one or more components with transmission / reception elements located at any end of the unity. These sensors can be mechanical or electromechanical, but preferably they are electronic, for example, infrared transmitters that receive signals reflected from the side walls of the pool. The cleaning apparatus may also include a ground position system (GPS) 95 with a floating antenna 97 for use in collecting location data, and travel points as the unit moves along the bottom of the pool.

A schematic circuit diagram has been shown in Figure 7. Also, in this case, the arrangement of elements is purely illustrative and not shown to scale. The electronic elements, including the CPU 94 of the microprocessor, controller 86, counter 96, and wall counter 96 and sensor 92 are preferably incorporated in a waterproof body or unit assembly impervious to ease and economy of installation and replacement, in case of That it was necessary.

Also shown in Figure 7 is a global positioning system or "GPS" unit 95 that is also in communication with the CPU and the controller. The use of GPS units with marine and air navigation systems is well known in this technique. It is within the skill of the art to integrate the control of the pool cleaning unit based on the algorithm with an initial set of coordinates provided by the GPS unit. For example, the pool cleaning apparatus can be manually positioned in a corner of the pool, as prescribed by the operating instructions and GPS coordinates, are entered into the controller's memory. Then, the unit can be taken to a different location along the pool, for example, the opposite corner diagonally in a rectangular pool, by entering the GPS coordinates. Then, the program will have enough information to determine an appropriate route to follow through the unit, in order to substantially clean the entire bottom of the pool.

The introduction of coordinates can take place by means of a manual push button or other similar input device based on a programming sequence provided to the user in a user manual. A separate manual device that communicates with the controller, for example, via IR signals, or conductive cables, can also be used. The unit will also have to be equipped with a cable for the floating antenna to receive GPS signals, or they can be transmitted through a receiver in the power supply. Once the unit is positioned on the bottom surface of the pool and is activated, the algorithm that now includes GPS coordinates can accurately direct the movement, turn and distance changes necessary to cover the entire bottom surface of the pool in an efficient cleaning model.

Alternative algorithms are provided for round, oval or other shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is provided with a series of algorithms and a manual display or switch is arranged to allow the seller or the user to select the optimal program for the pool to be cleaned.

While the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments indicated above and in relation to the drawings that are part of this application, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that will be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. Device (10) for cleaning swimming pools, submersible, battery-operated, comprising an enclosure body (12) of the cleaning apparatus, a rechargeable integral battery (40) fixed to said enclosure body (12) and a load assembly (50), characterized in that said assembly (50) is of the inductive load type, in which a first sealed and water impermeable part (58) of said assembly is fixed to said enclosure body ( 12) and electrically connected to the battery (40), and a second part (52), sealed and waterproof to said assembly, is electrically connected to an external power supply and is coupled with said first part (58) for recharging of said battery (40).

2.

Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 1, further comprising an integral water pump, and which is actuated by the discharge of water from the water pump.

3.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a programmed microprocessor (94) and a controller (86) and which is programmed to move in a generally rectilinear path on the bottom surface of a pool or Deposit.

Four.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second part (52) is received in coupling within a recess of said first part (58).

5.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 4, wherein said second part (52) comprises an electric cable (56) and is of water-tight construction.

6.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:

a motor (30) of the water pump, sealed, electrically connected to said battery (40), said motor (30) having the pump, an axis (33) on which an impeller (34) is mounted.

7.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said battery (40) produces a voltage in the range of 6 to 12 volts.

8.

 Device for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said battery (40) is connected to said motor (40) of the pump through a switch (70).

9.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said impeller (34) is a propeller.

10.

 Device for cleaning swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pump motor (30) operates at twelve volts.

eleven.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said battery (40) is disposed within said enclosure body (12).

12.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 11, further comprising a switch

(70) mounted on said enclosure body (12), so that the energy of said battery (40) is interrupted when said switch (70) is moved to the stopped position.

13.

 Device for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 12, wherein said switch (70) is a light-sensitive optical switch for interrupting the power to said pump motor (30) and a driven motor (20) .

14.

Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools according to claim 12, wherein said switch (70) is a toggle switch.

fifteen.

 Apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a driven motor (20) electrically connected to said battery (40) for driving the apparatus for cleaning swimming pools.